The Mary Book Reader

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Easy. Inventive. Delicious.When Sarah Wilson gave up sugar for good, she developed a new repertoire of creative, go-to dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With 306 satisfying recipes for one-pan wonders, grain-free breakfasts, leftover makeovers, smoothie bowls, and more, this comprehensive cookbook makes living sugar-free simple and sustainable.

SARAH WILSON is the author of the New York Times bestseller I Quit Sugar. Through her books and her online 8-Week Program at IQuitSugar.com, Sarah has enabled more than 1.2 million people to quit sugar worldwide. www.iquitsugar.com

This is a much needed staple in everyone who is trying to eat right and lose weight kitchen.

I love the colorful pictures and the easy to read recipes. The photography was well done.

Sarah shows us how easy it is to quit sugar and to improvise in the kitchen.

I found this cookbook easy to use and hey it has 306 recipes. How does this sound Bacon Granola? Oh so good let me tell you. This is a must in your kitchen.

Sweet Tacos with easy slaw you must try this one.

I did find some of the ingredients hard to find but I learned how to improvise.

I gave this cookbook 4 stars and I hope that you will give it a try.

I was given a copy of this cookbook by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. Women’s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage?

Breaking Free, part of NHP contemporary fiction line, is a great reminder that God can take any broken life and redeem it for His plan and purpose. Readers will fall in love with the realistic characters and enjoy the combination of depth, heart-felt emotion, and humor that makes Jennifer's novels so appealing. Readers will be inspired to break free and find God in the complexities of their own lives! This book is a great resource for a book club, discussion group in women’s Bible studies, or as a ministry resource to spark conversation about

Jennifer Slattery writes missional romance novels for New Hope Publishers. Her debut, "Beyond I Do", releases in August. She also writes Christian Living articles for Crosswalk.com and devotions for her personal blog, JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud; Internet Cafe Devotions; and Takin' it to the Streets', a ministry serving Omaha Metro's working poor and homeless.

When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, hanging out at the mall with her teenage daughter, enjoying her real-life hero husband, or serving in her church or community.

Addiction is an ugly word and it will sure destroy your life and those you love most. Slattery has written such a faith based book and the love and forgiveness that you will read about will keep you up all night reading to see whats going to happen next.

I found this book to be the best one Slattery has penned yet.

I could not put it down I was just going to read a chapter or two and ended up reading the whole book in one sitting.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and author for my honest review.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Caregivers. Beyond tired, beyond stressed, they hunger for a glimmer of hope. You can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices. They are stretched way too thin and panic simmers just under the surface. What if the next thing to go wrong makes them snap? With Each Passing Moment, a devotional memoir, offers hope and encouragement for weary caregivers. The short chapters are arranged alphabetically by emotional, physical, and spiritual needs that caregivers face daily.

Hopelessly in love with the guy she married almost 50 years ago, Shirley Leonard has recently experienced a new kind of love affair: her first book. The title, With Each Passing Moment, (Help and Hope for Caregivers), comes from a line in an old hymn. Those lyrics helped her survive her long-distance-caregiving years as she juggled roles as pastor's wife, mom, and daughter. She loves to share the lessons she learned in those years with others who are on that road now.

Taking care of others sometimes is hard and sometimes its rewarding. Leonard wants to put your mind at ease with this read. We are not perfect and sometimes we need to refuel.

I would anything to have my parents still with me to take care of.

Leonard gives you a handbook ,guidebook if you will to help you with our everyday care.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

An unforgettable romance set in Victorian England, Bride of A Distant Isle is the engrossing story of Annabel Ashton, who fights to save her family home and her mother's honor while trying to figure out if the man she loves wants her—or just wants to use her to achieve his own ambitions.

Miss Annabel Ashton is a teacher at the Rogers School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she takes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall at Milford-on-Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house gets packed for sale, it begins to reveal disquieting secrets. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell’Acqua. But does he have Annabel’s best interests at heart?

And then, a final, most ominous barrier to both her inheritance and her existence appears: a situation neither she nor anyone else could have expected. Will Annabel regain her life and property—and trust her heart—before it’s too late?

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Sandra's new series, Daughters of Hampshire, historically sound Gothic romances, launched in 2015 with best-selling Book One: Mist of Midnight. That book earned a coveted Editor's Choice from the Historical Novel Society. The second book in the series, Bride of a Distant Isle, releases in March 2016 and has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. Her latest nonfiction title, The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, published on October 1, 2015.

Check out her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.

Sandra has published dozens of books for tweens and teens, including the best-selling, The One Year Be-Tween You and God, Devotions For Girls. She is passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self-publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year via novelcoaching.com

This was more of a mystery and it was a good mystery, I had no clue who Annabel's father was and where her belonging's were coming from. It was a book that kept my attention and it's very well written. I am usually not a big fan of historical books but the romance and mystery were really good in this book.

Come open the pages of this romance, mystery and see for yourself the intrigue that awaits you.

I gave this book 4 stars and think you will enjoy this one.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Miedia for my honest review.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

When all she wanted was to fit in, Tamika Catchings stood out and felt left out, never knowing one day she'd stand out--as a basketball superstar and an inspiration. She faced being set apart by her hearing loss, separated from family, living up to high expectations, and the pain and discouragement of debilitating physical injury. Yet she reached for the stars with hard work, perseverance, and her faith in God. Through the silence, she found the way to shine.Catch a Star tells Tamika's story of overcoming: of leading the Indiana Fever to its first championship, being named one of the WNBA's top fifteen players in history, earning three Olympic gold medals, and founding the Catch the Stars Foundation to help young people achieve their dreams. Her story will inspire readers to face their doubts and fears, encouraging them to reach for their own stars, no matter what challenges come their way.

Teamwork, Family, Perseverance, Faith, Community, Tamika knows it takes all of those things to make it. This was an inspiring read. If you are a sports fan you will enjoy this one. Tamika was born with moderate hearing loss and had to overcome many things through her faith to become who she is. It was very encouraging to read how she persevered to become a WNBA star. At times I had tears in my eyes as I read how she was bulled and picked on in school because of her hearing aids. I would recommend this book to someone who may have a child that has a disability that they are challenged with facing.

I gave this book 4 stars .

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

WANT TO FEEL GREAT, DISEASE-PROOF YOUR BODY, AND LIVE AT YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT? THEN, EAT YOUR MEDICINE Haylie Pomroy, celebrated nutritionist, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet, shares a food prescription for the 7 most common ways your metabolism misfires and leads to exhaustion, excess weight, and illness. With her targeted eating plans you can feed your body back to a vibrant, energetic, and thriving state.When multiple health challenges threatened the author’s life, it set her on an investigative journey that was life-changing—and lifesaving. In this book, she shares her personal story for the first time, as well as the powerful food programs she created based on the methods and philosophies that saved her life and helped her thrive. For decades now, these same food therapies have provided profound clinical results in her clinics where she’s treated thousands of others.

Our bodies are always talking, communicating their needs. We just need to learn how to listen. Sometimes they whisper to us—our energy is off, we just don't feel right, we have indigestion or IBS, or our body shape is morphing in ways we don’t recognize or like. Sometimes our bodies speak up and change our biochemistry in order to get our attention, by pushing our cholesterol a little higher, making us irritable, reactive, or ‘foggy.’ At other times our bodies are screaming for help, we have become pre- or full-blown diabetic and our immune systems are confused and attacking us. Every one of these health signals hides a specific problem, and for which food, not drugs, is the answer. So, if you’re suffering from GI issues, fatigue, out of whack hormones, mood and cognition difficulties, elevated cholesterol, blood sugar control problems, or an autoimmune problem, Food Rx has the solution for you.

HAYLIE POMROY has spent more than 20 years helping people lose weight, overcome health challenges and reach their ideal health while still enjoying real food and not going hungry. She's the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Fast Metabolism Diet.

With integrative health care clinics in Beverly Hills, Burbank, Irvine, and Fort Collins, Haylie is highly regarded in Hollywood and in the medical community. She provides collaborative care with physicians from institutions such as the Children's Hospital of Orange County, Children's Hospital Colorado, the UCLA Medical Center, and Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston). Her impressive client list includes celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Reese Witherspoon, Cher, Raquel Welch and Robert Downey Jr.

She appears regularly on NBC's Extra and Access Hollywood, and in Marie Claire, People, Star, and more. Haylie is Vice President of Clinical Research and Development for East West Essentials, and a registered wellness consultant and holistic counselor.

So many people are losing weight with Haylie's Fast Metabolism diet or should I say life style change I wanted in on it. I had to have a copy of this book. I really learned a lot from this book. And the recipes that she shares as well as the list of foods I should be eating are fantastic.

If you are looking to get healthy this is a great book to get started.

I really have enjoyed it and plan to keep a copy of my shelf and I will keep going back to it.

I gave this book 4 stars. I highly recommend this book for getting healthy.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Embrace who you are and become all God created you to beWith her bestselling book You're Already Amazing, Holley Gerth dared and empowered women to discover who God made them to be and pursue his purpose for their lives. Now Holley helps you build on that foundation and experience even greater life transformation.

In this interactive LifeGrowth study, Holley will guide you through an engaging process that helps you apply heart-freeing truths to every aspect of your life, from relationships to work to how you pursue your dreams. God's plans for your life are better than you can imagine, and you'll see them unfold in new ways as Holley guides you to embrace this life-changing truth--that you truly are already amazing.

SIX SESSIONS1. Who God Created Us to Be2. What's True No Matter How We Feel3. Our Amazing Journey with Jesus4. God's Plan for Our Relationships5. God's Purpose for Our Lives6. How We Can Thrive for a Lifetime

Designed to be experienced with the You're Already Amazing LifeGrowth DVD. More resources from Holley are available on her website

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves Jesus and enjoys encouraging the hearts of women through her popular blog as well as books like You'reAlready Amazing, You're Going to Be Okay, and You're Loved No Matter What. She's also cofounder of (in)courage.me and a writer for DaySpring, and she has a master's degree in counseling. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Connect with Holley at www.holleygerth.com.

Are you ready to become the Amazing women God created you to be? If you said YES. Then this book is for you.

I learned so much from this book, one lesson after another.

I went through the book alone but I would love to gather some women and do a small group study using this book. It's so positive and informative, It's sure to help many women.

I gave this study 4 stars. I HIGHY. Recommend this study to small groups or just alone it's great.

I was given a copy of this study by the publisher for my honest review

Monday, March 21, 2016

Join New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with Jean Brunstetter in Holmes County for a dramatic new 6-part serial novel.

Meet businessman Joel Byler who has gotten himself into a financial bind and his eccentric, wealthy Amish father who is done bailing out his spoiled son. When will Joel learn he most pay for his own mistakes—and at what cost to his business, his fiancée, and his Amish siblings?

The Amish Millionaire -- A 6-Part Serial Novel #1: The English Son -- Available Now #2: The Stubborn Father -- April 2016 #3: The Betrayed Fiancee -- May 2016 #4: The Missing Will -- June 2016 #5: The Divided Family -- July 2016 #6: The Selfless Act -- August 2016

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

I loved this book from page one, BUT I hate having to wait for book two it left me hanging and I can't take the waiting.

I need to know what going to happen now.

Very well written and the characters are fantastic and easy to love. This is not your every day boring Amish fiction book. It is full of ups and downs and oh the secrets are even there to keep you guessing when they will come to light.

I gave this book 5 stars even though I have to wait for book 2 to see what's happening next.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and author for my honest review.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

On March 28, 2010, Kate and Andy Grosmaire received two pieces of news that would change their lives forever.

The first was their worst nightmare: “Ann has been shot.”

And the second was the dumbfounding addendum: “Conor was the one who shot her.”

Their nineteen-year-old daughter had been killed by her boyfriend, a young man who had lived with the family and had come to feel like part of it.

In a beautiful, tragic testament to the liberating power of forgiveness, Kate Grosmaire tells the story of her daughter’s murder at the hand of her boyfriend—and the stunning, deliberate forgiveness and help that Kate and her husband offered to the young man who shattered their world.

Part memoir, part spiritual testimony, Forgiving My Daughter’s Killer is the story of a family whose faith was put to the test and so found the capacity to do far more than they could have thought or imagined.

Kate Grosmaire became an educator about Restorative Justice after her daughter was killed. She and her husband are the cofounders of the Ann Grosmaire “Be The Change” Fund, a charitable fund to promote forgiveness and restorative justice practices. Kate lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

Such a healing book! A MUST read

I could not put this book. This was such a powerful book on forgiveness. As a mom myself reading this was very hard, I cried and sat in awe. The Lord was with this family through this tragedy and they showed what a true Christian really is. Hard as it is everyday forgiving the boy that they opened their home to after shooting and killing their baby girl. They stilled loved him and showed him God's love after what he took from them.

Grace, Faith, forgiveness. We all need to read this book. We can all learn from this family. I'm just not sure if I could have forgave like Ann's mother did. The whole time I was reading this I kept asking myself how she did it. I know it was all with the Lords help. I say this again, this was a very powerful book. I beg you PLEASE read this book.

I gave this book 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, March 18, 2016

God’s love, plans, and promises for you are forever unfolding.I get it, Momma. I totally get it. Every day you wake up and try your very best. You love, give, and pour out your life for the ones who call you Momma. But no matter how much you offer, there are still days you feel as though you come up short. You worry, Am I loving these babies enough? Is this ever going to get easier? Why does it seem like I am the only one who cannot balance it all?

Sometimes, we just need hope (and maybe a long uninterrupted nap). We need someone to help tune our hearts to the voice of the Father and to remind us that He has not forgotten about us. In Hope Unfolding, Becky Thompson is a friend who reminds you that you aren’t alone, and that God is still writing your story. She guides you to encounter the Truth of God’s presence that not only fuels you with strength, but also a fresh confidence. And beyond gaining faith that tomorrow could be different, you find hope and purpose where you are standing today.

Becky Thompson began blogging under the name Scissortail SILK, quickly drawing a global audience of millions. A self-professed city girl, Becky is a recent transplant to northwest Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband, Jared, their three young children, and whatever critters wander in from the wheat field behind their house. You can connect with Becky online at www.BeckyThompson.com or join her and the thousands of other grace-filled women who are a part of the Scissortail SILK community on Facebook.

God speaks to your heart while you are reading this book, if you will listen Becky wants you to use this book to clear your heart of any heavy concerns and give life to your forgotten dreams. And believe me you can do just that while indulging in this book. Savor every word in this book it really has a lot of insight.

As I was reading this book is was as if I was sitting in Becky's living room in her not so comfortable orange leopard print chair with her and talking like old friends. This book was written in such a way that it is really not a book its an old friend sharing stories with you.

I was so into the book that I had it read before I knew it, so for me the book was way to short the stories that Becky shared were so simple and fun but moving and each had a lesson.

I loved every page, I must say my kids are grown and I still loved every page. I hated to see it end.

I gave this book 5 stars I HIGHLY recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

The Hebrews call me prophetess, the Egyptians a seer.But I am neither. I am simply a watcher of Israel and the messenger of El Shaddai.When He speaks to me in dreams, I interpret. When He whispers a melody, I sing.At eighty-six, Miriam had devoted her entire life to loving El Shaddai and serving His people as both midwife and messenger. Yet when her brother Moses returns to Egypt from exile, he brings a disruptive message. God has a new name – Yahweh – and has declared a radical deliverance for the Israelites.

Miriam and her beloved family face an impossible choice: cling to familiar bondage or embrace uncharted freedom at an unimaginable cost. Even if the Hebrews survive the plagues set to turn the Nile to blood and unleash a maelstrom of frogs and locusts, can they weather the resulting fury of the Pharaoh?

Ener an exotic land where a cruel Pharaoh reigns, pagan priests wield black arts, and the Israelites cry out to a God they only think they know.

Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes and numerous other novels including The Pharaoh’s Daughter. Her deep understanding of–and love for– God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Roy and enjoys traveling to visit her growing tribe of grandchildren.

Miriam is a Biblical fiction book about Moses' sister Miriam. The book is beautifully written and you can tell the author thoroughly researched the topic in which she is writing. The Fiction intertwines with actual Biblical history. The book gives the Exodus account of the Israelites slavery in Egypt and their eventual departure after the plagues through the eyes of Miriam. The author also adds a couple characters that are not Biblical which keeps the reader guessing. I fairly enjoyed this book and I am sure anyone who loves Bible stories will also.

I gave this book 4 stars. Why not Give it a try.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

When new lumberjack, Tom Jeffries, tells the camp cook, Jo Christy, that he’ll marry her if she can make a fruitcake, “as good as the one my mother makes,” she rises to the occasion. After all, he’s the handsomest, smartest, and strongest axman her camp-boss father has ever had in his camp—and the cockiest. And she intends to bring this lumberjack down a notch or three by refusing his proposal. The fruitcake wars are on! All the shanty boys and Jo’s cooking helpers chip in with their recipes but Jo finds she’ll have to enlist more help—and begins corresponding with Tom’s mother. Step back in time to 1890, in beautiful Northern Michigan, near the sapphire straits of Mackinac, when the white pines were “white gold” and lumber camps were a way of life. Jo is ready to find another life outside of the camps and plans that don’t include any shanty boys. But will a lumberjack keep her in the very place she’s sworn to leave?

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter begins her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave the lumber camp and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the proprietress must learn to face her past and open her heart. When complications arise, will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack's Ball?

Petite Juliana Beauchamps possesses a vivid imagination, which comes in handy as a librarian. When a handsome giant of a lumberjack comes to town and rescues her from possible tragedy, she’s shaken by the event. A dashing beer baron, from Milwaukee, also pursues Juliana’s attention. Meanwhile, a library trustee determines to push out the female librarians.

Former "Yooper" Carrie Fancett Pagels writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn't "cured" by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia's Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading--but not all at the same time!

Usually I avoid novellas because they are far to short, for me. I like my books long and all at one time. But I got this whole series at once, so I was so happy to read it.

I have seen a lot about this series on social media and I could not wait to pop open the book and get started.

Boy as I right I would have not been happy if I had to wait for the next one, with that being said guess what you can get all three of the novellas now and read them all together like I did.

You are going to love this storyline. You will not want to put these books down. I put my review together with all three books so that you will get the idea that you need to read them all three not just one, it flows much better that way. I wanted to give you the order to read them in as well. The Fruitcake Challenge is book one, The Lumberjack's Ball is book number two, and last but certainly not lest is Lilacs for Juliana. I must tell you my favorite one was Lilacs for Juliana. I would also like to say I would not read one with out the other two, stand alones they could be but why miss out on the whole story. Wonderful characters and well written.

I gave this whole series 4 stars and recommended this series. Pick up extra copies for a nice gift for the reader in your life.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

When the reality of your pain doesn’t line up with what you’ve been taught in church, then what? While many abandon their faith or embrace hopelessness, it is possible to discover the God who heals your heart in the midst of the pain.

Matt Bays has been where you are. His unforgettable stories of loss and healing will usher you into a life where gratitude overpowers anger, hope overcomes despair, and hunger for God replaces indifference to God. With a fresh and original writing style, Bays demonstrates that true redemption is far more powerful than the temporary fixes of sanitized Christianity.

In the tradition of Donald Miller comes the fresh voice of Matt Bays, offering hope to those who have experienced deep loss or pain as well as those who crave more than trite answers about God and suffering.Our world is in massive turmoil. The suffering are desperate for authentic hope and real redemption. Yet the church often responds with tired clichés that shrink our understanding of God rather than enlarging it. Matt Bays understands. This book was birthed from his own deep struggles in a dysfunctional home. With pastoral wisdom, personal transparency, and unforgettable stories, he shows that true redemption is far more powerful than the temporary fixes of sanitized Christianity. Best of all, he leaves readers with a much bigger God than the one they thought they lost in their pain.Matt Bays is a writer, speaker, and musician with a passion to call people out of their hiding places; calling forth others' stories is the hallmark of his spiritual vocation and purpose. In ministry for twenty years, Bays was most recently the worship pastor for Northview Church in Carmel, IN, recently noted as the second fastest growing church in America with more than 8,000 attending each weekend.Bays is also a singer-songwriter, as is his wife, Heather, herself a sought-after studio vocalist in Indianapolis. Married for twenty years, the couple have two teenage daughters.

Finding God In The Ruins is about overcoming trauma and tragedy in life and finding God in the tragedy. This book is very well written and the author held my attention throughout the entire book. This book can be a life changer to people who will let the words speak to them. Many of us have gone through something bad and ask ourselves where is God. This book will reach to those who have once felt that or are feeling that now. The book is not entirely without humor. The author injects humor where it is needed.

I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

A novel based on true experiences, Come to the Garden is a story about a woman's journey with a mysterious angel that encourages readers to believe heaven is closer than they think.Years ago, author Jennifer Wilder Morgan served as a hospital volunteer, visiting critically ill patients--praying with them and listening to their stories. As she created a safe space for those of all faiths and backgrounds, patients began confiding in Morgan about the mysterious ways God speaks to them--from encounters with angels to reassurances from loved ones who've passed on. She witnessed the profound healing that occurs when people are permitted to talk about these experiences, and as a result, Morgan was inspired to share her own personal encounters with God in a novel.In Come to the Garden, the main character Jenn wakes up on her birthday to find an angel introducing herself as Margaret in the backyard garden. Lately Jenn has been struggling to make sense of the mysterious ways God has been speaking to her and is trying to understand what he wants her to know. The angel takes Jenn back through her memories and life experiences, revealing how God has been connecting with her all along. Under the angel's guidance, Jenn finally understands the messages God has been speaking to her, in her dreams, divine promptings, and unexplained coincidences. It becomes clear that God is a faithful and persistent pursuer of the human heart.Framed as a series of conversations between Jenn and her guardian angel, this unconventional and charming narrative will strike deep into the hearts of anyone seeking a greater understanding of God. Based firmly in scripture, Come to the Garden is an inspirational fictional story about the surprising ways God works in our lives and affirms that heaven is truly closer than we think.

Jennifer Wilder Morgan graduated from Kent State University and is a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. She resides in Houston, Texas, where she served in Methodist Hospital Houston's lay ministry. She is a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church. For more information, go to www.cometothegardenbook.com

Come To The Garden is a very powerful read. I enjoyed every word and hated for the book to end. I must say that I could not put this book down once I started to read it. Although the book is fiction it is inspired by real life experiences of the author. Each chapter begins with a quoted Bible verse. In the story she has a angel "Margret" that she meets in the garden to discuss things that have happened in life. The interaction between Jennifer and Margret are quite comical. I was inspired by the some of the things she went through during darker times in her life. The story is sure to captivate you. Do not pass this one by.

I gave this book 5 stars two times and I HIGLY recommend this book. I loved this book!

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

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I would like to take this time to thank all of the authors who have sent me books to read and review and given away books to very lucky winners on my blog. My mother always told me you can never say thank you enough. So THANK YOU all very much!
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About Me

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life I LOVE to get away in a super book. I love to cook and bake and spend time with my friends. I have the best Yorkies in the world, they love to lay with me while I am reading. The Lord is everything to me.I have an awesome husband! A small fact about me: I never leave home without a book!
Come on in and sit down with me and lets talk about books and have a virtual cup of tea together.